Careful and frequent Pressing is the key to great-looking garments. Pressing is not the same process as ironing. When pressing, lift and firmly place the iron - do not glide over the fabric, as when ironing.
- Always test the heat setting on scrap fabric first to make sure the iron is the correct temperature for your fabric.
- Press after completing each step of the construction process.
- Always use a press cloth to prevent shine and spotting. A scrap of muslin makes a good press cloth.
- Seam allowances might leave an impression on the right side of delicate fabrics, so insert strips of brown paper between the seam allowances and the garment.
- Whenever possible press on the wrong side of the fabric.
- When pressing curves, take care not to pull or stretch the fabric.
- Press seams and darts before stitching another seam across them.
- Do not press over basting threads or pins - they might leave marks in the fabric.
Pressing Straight Seams
- Press along the stitching line to embed the stitches into the fabric.
- Press the seam open, creasing the folds with the tip of the iron.
Pressing Curved Seams
- Press the seam flat along the stitching line, to embed the stitches. Clip or notch the curve, as needed.
- Press the seam open on a tailor's ham or seam roll, pressing with only the tip of the iron.